Lakers Mystery Theater
While the reality finally hit as the Lakers dispatched the Rockets with relative ease....in Game 7...I'm left with a lot of questions about the Lakers . On paper there was no reason the series should have even been competitive. Yet here we were ....7 games. Why? Was it a question of the Lakers falling asleep at the switch and only trying when the Rockets threatened? Was it simply a uniquely bad matchup with a super speedy Brooks and a two headed monster of Artest/Battier on Kobe? Was Phil Jackson exposed as not the Zen Master thru his sticking with Fisher and other mishaps? Or is it simply a blip on the Lakers run to topping last year? Its rather a cop out but how the Lakers end the season will ultimately determine which interpretation will be deemed the "right one"
Celtics v. Magic
It's coventional wisdom in Cleveland that Orlando would be the tougher matchup for the Cavs. A tall big lineup full of 3 point shooters is exactly the wrong type of team for the Cavs to matchup on. Boston would provide worn down veterans that are rely on penetratio for success. All Boston had to do was win one more game in Boston. But they couldn't manage that. The Celtics engine ran dry somewhere around the 3rd quarter of Game 6 and simply was no match for the Magic in Game 7. While the plus side of the Celtics being eliminated is that we will finally figure outwhats actually wrong with KG, the downside is the Cavs face the Magic. Thanks a lot Celtics. Fuck you!
Other Random Monday Thoughts
- I'm actually enjoying the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Wings v. Hawks have the great theme of the proven champions versus the hungry new faces (hmm haven't we seen this story line before with Bulls v. Celtics). Hopefully this time the young guns trump experience
- One of the unfortunate necessities of the 24-7-365 sports world is the ubiquitous rankings. The latest and obviously completely accourate (he said with snark) ranking of College Football is out on ESPN, SI, and Bob's Big Blog of Knowledge. While these rankings actually matter in that they'll influence the preseason rankings which in turn will affect the ability to move up the ranking. However here's a few teams from the usual suspects that will bear watching....
V-Tech - While the Big 10 is crapped on in the land, the ACC isn't even given the time of day to be crapped on. That could change as V-Tech has the two of the higher profile non-BCS schedules in the land with games against Alabama (in Atlanta) and against Nebraska. Victories over an SEC and Big 12 teams with name recognition could result in the Hokies jumping in the Mythical BCS chase
Oregon - Somehow put on its schedule the top mid-major teams of Boise State and Utah. Add in a home game against USC and Oregon could leverage the high profile games to Championship contender status.
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